- NIO is recalling 686 firefly EVs from a two-week March–April 2026 production run due to potential steering-column torque sensor wiring harness interference causing loss of steering assist.
- Affected vehicles were built March 20–April 2, 2026; NIO will inspect and replace wiring harnesses free of charge, with recall filed under SAMR notice S2026M0114V.
- Targeting the premium small‑car segment against local rivals, risks include scaling manufacturing reliability amid rapid delivery growth and increased regulatory and reputational scrutiny.
NIO has filed a recall plan for firefly EVs, as announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Sept. 18. This marks the first recall since the firefly brand’s launch.
Under recall No. S2026M0114V, NIO will recall 686 firefly battery-electric vehicles produced between March 20 and April 2, 2026, effective immediately.
According to the recall notice, abnormal fluctuations in the manufacturing process may cause the steering-column torque sensor wiring harness to interfere with the sensor rotor.
In extreme cases, the interference could trigger abnormal sensor signals, illuminate the electronic steering system fault warning light and result in a loss of steering assistance.
A loss of steering assistance means the driver would need to apply significantly more force to operate the steering wheel.
The impact is particularly pronounced during low-speed parking maneuvers and emergency lane changes.
Based on the production dates of the affected vehicles, the issue is concentrated within a roughly two-week production window, indicating a batch-related manufacturing-process fluctuation rather than a design defect.
NIO will inspect the steering-column torque sensor wiring harness and sensor rotor on affected vehicles free of charge to determine whether interference is present.
If interference is confirmed, NIO will replace the sensor wiring harness. Vehicles that have already undergone the relevant inspection or repair will not require further action.
The recall comes as firefly deliveries are expanding rapidly. NIO’s third brand began deliveries in April 2025 and is positioned as a premium smart electric small-car brand.
In August 2026, firefly deliveries reached 5,852 units, up 34.7% year over year, bringing cumulative deliveries to 80,209 units by the end of August.
In the first eight months of 2026, firefly delivered 40,795 vehicles, up 180.3% year over year, making it the fastest-growing of NIO’s three brands.
Over the same period, NIO delivered 262,893 vehicles, up 57.9% year over year, while August deliveries reached 35,836 units, up 14.5%.
As firefly’s delivery base continues to expand, its manufacturing stability will also face scrutiny on a larger scale.
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